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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

A Research Assistant is sought to work as part of a team led by Dr Nicola Nadeau, on a Leverhulme Research Project Grant investigating the genetics and biomechanics of butterfly wing scale development. This international and interdisciplinary project brings together expertise in genetics, developmental biology and microscopy with physics and biomechanical modelling to understand how intricately patterned nanostructures form on butterfly wings during development. The post will contribute to the research excellence of the University through supporting the generation of high-profile research outputs.

As an essential part of this project, you will manage the maintenance of the butterfly stocks and the plants that they feed on, in addition to conducting laboratory work gathering data on scale structure development.

Applicants must have a degree (or equivalent experience) in Biology or a related subject along with experience of working with insects and/or plants and working in a laboratory environment. Excellent communication skills with the ability to solve day-to-day research problems, manage own workload and use time effectively are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Maintain butterfly and host plant stocks, including feeding, cleaning, propagating plants, pest and disease control.
• Manage the maintenance of the butterfly and host plant stocks, e.g. to ensure periods of leave or absence are covered and that the facility is kept in good running order for all users at all times.
• Ensure the insectary and greenhouse are kept clean, tidy and safe.
• Occasional supervision / teaching of insectary techniques to others (e.g. new group members/volunteers).
• Maintenance of accurate records.
• Comply fully with Health & Safety, CoSHH risk assessments and waste disposal rules and regulations.
• Prepare samples and perform developmental imaging, adjusting protocols as necessary to achieve the project goals.
• Assist with other molecular laboratory duties as necessary.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance duties as required to ensure efficient and effective laboratory maintenance and housekeeping.
• Attend and contribute to Team Meetings.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of an interview, with the opportunity to meet other members of the team and visit the School of Biosciences. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 20/11/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.